Police Block Opposition Convoy: NCP Leaders Stopped Twice Near Habiganj
Police stopped leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) twice on Monday. Their convoy was trying to reach Habiganj for a planned rally. Police first blocked them in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar. They later stopped the convoy again in Bahubal upazila, near Habiganj.
The initial stop happened around 5:00 pm. This was on the Dhaka-Sylhet regional highway. It took place near the Cha Konnya sculpture in Satgaon, Sreemangal. The National Citizen Party leaders pushed through this first police barricade. They continued their journey towards Habiganj.
However, police blocked their path a second time. This happened around 5:15 pm. It was in the Kamaichhara area of Bahubal upazila. Police parked a bus across the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway. This stopped all vehicles. Light rain began. Still, the NCP leaders stayed on the highway. They chanted slogans. More than 200 police officers were present. Special Security and Protection Battalion (SPBN) members also joined.
The convoy included prominent National Citizen Party members. Convener Nahid Islam was among them. Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam was also present. Chief Coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwari joined them. Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah also took part. Mahmuda Mitu from Jatiya Nari Shakti was also there.
The National Citizen Party had planned a rally. It was set for 3:00 pm in Habiganj municipal town. However, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal announced a counter-program. This was planned for the same time. To prevent any trouble, the local government imposed Section 144. This order banned large public gatherings. It covered specific parts of Habiganj town.
National Citizen Party leaders alleged that police discouraged them from going to Habiganj. Speaking from the blockade site, Sarjis Alam shared his views. He said the current government was using the administration unfairly. He compared it to how the previous government acted. He also said they were not near any area under Section 144.
After the Section 144 order, the National Citizen Party announced a change. They said they would hold a press conference instead of a rally. Police did not immediately comment on the incident. However, officials said all necessary actions were taken. These actions aimed to maintain peace and order in the area.
